Bursar and Accounting Operations Coordinator

Southern California Institute of Technology • Anaheim, CA

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Bursar and Accounting Operations Coordinator is responsible for overseeing student financial services while supporting the effective day-to-day operation of the institution’s accounting function. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this role combines student-accounts management with accounting responsibilities and operational oversight. This position serves as the primary lead for student billing, collections, payments, refunds, and third-party invoicing, while also contributing to general accounting activities such as reconciliations, reporting support, internal controls, and audit preparation. The Bursar and Accounting Operations Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring accuracy, compliance, and consistency across financial processes, and works closely with the Finance and Financial Aid teams to support institutional operations and student success. The role requires strong technical accounting skills, a thorough understanding of student finance processes, sound judgment, and the ability to monitor workflows, identify issues, and recommend operational improvements.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4–6 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably in higher education.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience with student accounts, receivables, billing, and collections, preferably also with Student Federal Aid programs.
• Proficiency with accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks Online or similar).
• Advanced proficiency with Excel or Google Sheets.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and support daily accounting operations, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger activity, payroll coordination, and cash management.
• Perform and review complex accounting transactions, reconciliations, schedules, and journal entries to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Oversee student accounts activity, including billing, invoicing, collections, payment plans, refunds, and third-party billing (e.g., VA and other sponsors).
• Ensure institutional charges, adjustments, withdrawals, refunds, and completion-related account activity are processed accurately and in accordance with institutional policies.
• Work closely with the Financial Aid office to ensure timely application, reconciliation, and resolution of financial aid funding and credit balances.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex student-account or accounting issues requiring advanced analysis or judgment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, institutional policies, and external regulatory requirements, including Title IV–related financial processes.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, reconciliations, schedules, and responses to auditor inquiries.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes and the preparation of financial reports for management and leadership.
• Identify inefficiencies in accounting workflows and recommend improvements to processes, systems, and procedures.
• Provide guidance, review, and support to accounting staff and assist with training on accounting principles, systems, and best practices.
• Serve as a backup for key accounting functions to ensure continuity of operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the CFO.

Benefits

• Paid Sick Leave: 40 hours of paid sick leave for each calendar year
• Paid Vacation: 40 hours of paid vacation for the first year of employment, followed by 80 hours of paid vacation for the second year of employment onward. Vacation hours are accrued each term following the 90 day introductory period.
• Paid Holidays: Total of 8 paid holidays throughout the calendar year, eligible after the 90 day introductory period.
• Health Insurance: The school offers both PPO and HMO insurance plans where up to $400 of the monthly insurance premium is covered by the school.
• 401(k): Following the first year of employment and 1000 hours of services, employees may participate in the school’s 401(k) plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree